Card transfer mechanism



Sept. 18, T. HERR CARD TRANSFER MECHANISM 9 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed April 16, 1948 INVENTOR THEODORE Z, HERR ATTORNEYS Sept. 18, 1951 'r. z. HERR CARD TRANSFER MECHANISM 9 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed April 16, 1948 FIG-l4 JNVENTOR. THEODORE Z. HERR j ATTORNEYS P 1951 T. 2. HERR CARD TRANSFER MECHANISM 9 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed April 16, 1948 INVENTOR. THEODORE Z. HERR ATTORNEYS Sept. 18, 1951 Z H 2 ,568,069

CARD TRANSFER MECHANISM- Filed April 16, 1948 9 Sheets-Sheet 5 FIG-6 IN V EN TOR. THEODORE Zv HERR @AJX MMM fi ATTORNEYS Sept. 18, 1951 T. 2. HERR CARD TRANSFER MECHANISM 9 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed April 16, 1948 FIG.- I2

INVENTOR. THEODORE Z. HERR ATTORNEYS Sept. 18, 1951 T. z. HERR CARD TRANSFER MECHANISM 9 Sheets-Sheet 7 Filed April 16, 1948 FIG-9 FIG-I l/ INVENTOR. THEODORE z. HERR ATTORNEYS T. Z. HERR CARD TRANSFER MECHANISM Sgpt. 18, 1951 9 Sheets-Sheet 8 Filed April 16, 1948 FIG.- I7

FIG-I9 FIG.- 18

INVENTOR. THEODORE Z. HERR FIG-2O ATTQRNEYS Sept. 18, 1951 T. z. HERR 2,568,069

CARD TRANSFER MECHANISM Filed April 16. 1948 9 Sheets-Sheet 9 L2 L3 LI INVENTOR THEODORE Z. HERR ATTORNEYS Patented 18, 1951 CARD 'raansraa MECHANISM Theodore Z. Herr, Lancaster, Pm, assignmto American Greeting Publishers, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio, a corporation of Ohio Application April 18, 1948, Serial No. 21,452

7Claiml.

This invention relates to novel and improved sheet pickup and transfer mechanism adapted to receive a stack of sheets, cards, or the like,

and to deliver them one by one at predetermined intervals to a container, conveyor, or otherwise as desired. For convenience in description herein, the item to be handled will be termed a card, although it will be obvious as the description proceeds that the apparatus is suitable for the selection and transfer of any item of sheet-like character. In one commercial embodiment, to be described hereinafter, the mechanism is used to deliver predetermined numbers of greeting cards in sequence, for boxing in convenient lots.

An object of the invention is to provide novel and improved card pickup mechanism adapted to receive and transfer individual cards from a stack, but to automatically stop the mechanism and give a visible or audible indication of trouble if no card is transferred, or it more than one card is transferred in one operation.

A further object of the invention is to provide novel and improved vacuum pickup means adapted to automatically advance to operative contact with a card in a stack, thereafter withdraw the card and transfer it to a delivery zone, and then automatically release the card.

A further object is to provide, in a mechanism such as characterized in the last preceding paragraph, feeler means sensitive to card thickness, disposed between the card pickup and delivery zones in the path of card travel, and effective upon the said mechanism to stop its operation if the card or other moving object intercepting the feeler mechanism is not of pre-established thickness, or if no card intercepts the feeler means at the proper predetermined instant in the operational cycle.

A further object of the invention is to provide card transfer means including a drum having a portion rotatable past a stack of cards, card pickup means carried by said drum, means for causing rotation of said pickup means with said drum during an angular portion of drum travel, means for stopping rotation of said pickup means temporarily during drum rotation when said pickup means reaches alignment with said stack, means i'or producing radial outward displacement of said pickup means whereby to initiate holding contact between said pickup means and said card during temporary stoppage of the pickup means as aforesaid, means for producing radial inward withdrawal of said pickup means after holding contact has been established as aforesaid whereby to initiate-removal of said card from said stack,

means causing release of said card from said pickup means when said pickup means rotates to card delivery position, and means for restoring said pickup means to its original position circumferentially with respect to said drum surface so as to be ready for the next card pickup.

Other objects and advantages will be apparent from a study of the following description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. l is a rear elevational view of one embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a side elevational view of the same;

Fig. 3 is a plan view from approximately the line 3-4 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a sectional view taken on the line 44 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig. 4 but showing some of the parts in a difierent operating position;

Fig. 6 is a sectional view taken approximately on the line 6-6 of Fig. 3;

Figs. 7 and 8 are views similar to Fig. 6 but showing some of the parts in a different operating position; I

Fig. 9 is a sectional view taken on the line 99 of Fig. 4;

Fig. 10 is a sectional view taken on the line Iii-40 of Fig. 9;

Fig. 11 is a sectional view taken on the line Il-H of Fig. 10;

Figs. 12, 13, 14 and 15 are sectional views taken on the lines i2l2, i3-l3, Il-ll and l5--|5 of Fig. 9;

Fig. 16 is a fragmentary detail view of the feeler mechanism;

Fig. 17 is a sectional view taken on the lines ll-il of Fig. 16;-

Fig. 18 is a top plan view of the part shown in Fig. 16;

Fig. 19 is a side elevational view taken from the right of Fig. 17;

Fig. 20 is a fragmentary detail view, showing part of the air exhaust passageway, and the vent to atmosphere; while,

Fig. 21 is a wiring diagram suitable for one embodiment of the invention.

The invention will be illustrated and described in connection with the drawings which show one embodiment of a mechanism adapted to receive a stack of greeting cards, and to deliver the cards individually in lots of twelve, or twenty-five, or any desired unit, suitable for wrapping or boxing. The mechanism is adapted to deliver either a suitable lot of identical cards from a single stack,

it to a delivery point where it is dropped on an endless conveyor. The transfer means comprises a drum rotatable at constant speed on a shaft. Within the drum, and also mounted for rotation on the shaft, is a sleeve carried concen'-' trically on the shaft. The sleeve and drum are operatively connected by a differentialspeed linkage later to be described which permits the I sleeve at times to rotate at the same speed as the drum, and at other times to accelerate, de-' celerate, or even stop while the drum rotates at constant speed.

The outer peripheral wall of the drum is slotted, and the sleeve carries card pickup means adapted to extend radially outwardly through the slot. As will appear, the stack of cards is in suitable position to be adjacent to, and registrable with the slot at recurring points in the drum rotation, and the distinctive operation of the sleeve, by reason of the linkage above mentioned, permits the card pickup means to come to a complete though momentary stop when in alignment with the stack of cards. At this mo ment the card picku'p means moves radially outwardly, grips a card, and withdraws sufficiently to initiate separation of a card from the stack. The pickup means then resumes rotation with the drum, and the card is carried around to a delivery zone, where it is released. The sleeve on which the pickup means is supported is thereafter accelerated to regain its original position with respect to the drum, so as to be in suitable position to pick up the next card.

The novel and improved means whereby the aforesaid operation is performed will now be described.

Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to Figs. 1, 2, 3 and 12, the card feeding mechanism is fixed on a suitable support such as table 25. In Fig. 1 four complete units, A, B, C and D are carried on the table, but each is identical with the others, and only unit A will be described in detail. All units are driven from a common shaft S by means of a motor M, a change speed gearing G and a belt B. A vacuum pump P is driven by a motor M1 and each unit has a vacuum conduit connection through piping V as will be obvious from a glance at Fig. 1, without further detailed description. Two solenoid-operated valves R, R are shown, each one controlling vacuum supply to two units.

Each card feeding unit is supported on a pair of side plates 26 fixed in spaced relationship on table 25. In the plates are aligned journals or bearings for a shaft 21 on which a drum 28 is rotatably carried. A gear 29 is fixed to one side of the drum and is rotatable by a belt or chain 30 from shaft S beneath the table.

As best seen in Figs. 2 and 12, a stack of sheets or cards 33 is supported on adjustable stackholding means comprising a floor plate 34, a rear wall 35, and a pair of side guides 36. The stack holder is adjustably fixed on side plates 25, and the fioor plate 34 closely overlies the upper peripheral portion of the drum. The rear wall 35, which is somewhat inclined from the vertical to maintain the stack of cards in stable alignment, is movably fixed on the floor plate 34 in the following manner. The lower edge of the rear wall is provided with a flange 31 in contact with the floor plate (Fig. 12) and perfosoon to be described.

The side guides 36 may be adjusted towards and from each other by bolts 42 and heads 43 in similar manner, as best seen in Fig. 3.

The front edge of the floor plate 34 is recessed at 44 (Fig. 3) to permit the card pickup means to have access to the front edge of the lowest card in the stack as will appear.

Drum 28 is hollow, having side walls 44, and a generally cylindrical peripheral wall 45 (Fig. 9). Side walls 44 have centrally located bosses 46 which are bored to receive bearings 41 for relative rotation of the drum on its shaft 21. Also rotatable on hearing sleeves 48 within the drum is a sleeve 49 which carries the card pickup means. Centrally of sleeve 45 is a pair of opposed projections 50, each having an outer cross arm 50a. The arm 50a and the central portion of sleeve 49 are radially bored at 53 and 54 respectively to receive a pair of identical plungers 55 having vacuum cup tips 56. The manner of operation of these card-pickup plungers will be described hereinbelow. It is sufficient for the moment to state that when slots 51 in the peripheral wall 45 of the drum rotate into registry with recess 44 (Fig. 3) in the floor plate 34, plungers 55 are moved outwardly until vacuum cups 56 contact the bottom of the lowest card in the stack. Practically simultaneously the hollow bores 58 in the plungers are placed in direct communication with the vacuum pump so as to secure a firm grip between the cups 56 and the card. The plungers are then retracted to draw the front edge 33a of a card (Fig. 12) downwardly so as to snap it past a retaining spring clip 59. Continued rotary motion of the drum, sleeve, and plunger then slides the card from the bottom of the stack, carrying it clockwise, as shown in Fig. 12, or counterclockwise as shown in Fig. 2. At a suitable point in drum rotational travel, or just above the inclined chute 60 (Fig. 2) the vacuum is cut off, and the card drops on the chute 50 and falls on the endless belt 63. The belt may be controlled so that it stops while a predetermined lot of cards accumulates, after which a conventional counter mechanism advances the belt so that the stack arrives at a position where an operator can conveniently remove the lot for boxing. As previously indicated, the lot may be dropped one by one from the chute intoa container, or otherwise as desired.

It is desirable that rotary motion of the plungers be terminated momentarily, while they move radially outwardly into gripping contact with the card. Since it is also desirable that the drum rotate continuously, and at constant speed, differential speed linkage has been provided, whereby the sleeve 49 which carries the plungers, can be operated directly from the drum, but can be accelerated, decelerated, or even stopped momentarily while drum rotation proceeds at a constant rate. This linkage will now be described.

Referring more especially to Figs. 3, 6, 7, 8 and 9, the side wall 44 of the drum carries a pivot pin aseaoea II, spaced a substantial distance outwardly from the center of rotation. A lever 04 is-swingably mounted on pin 83. At an intermediate point on the lever 64 is a cam-following roller adapted to travel on the peripheral cam track of a fixed butterfly cam 88. Lever ll is biased to maintain constant contact between the cam and roller I by means of a tension spring ll fixed at ti on the drum wall 44 (Fig. 6). As shown for instanceinFlgs.3 and 9,thecam isfixedby pins II to a boss II which is welded to side plate It.

A drag link 13 is pivotally carried, at one end, on lever 04, and at its other end it carries a crank pin ll which extends inwardl with working clearance, through an arcuate slot I! in the drum wall 44. From a consideration of Figs. 8, '7, and 8, for example, it will be apparent that as the drum rotates relatively to the fixed cam 06, and roller '5 follows the cam periphery, the crank pin end of the drag link is caused to travel in the slot 15, responsive to cam contour, in a manner soon to be more fully described.

Within the drum the sleeve 4! is provided with a crank arm 16' bored at its tip to receive the inner end of the crank pin 14. By means of the lever 64, drag link 13, crank pin 14 and crank arm 16, a continuous but flexible driving connection is established between the drum and sleeve 48, as will now appear.

Referring first to Fig. 7, the drum is rotating clockwise. Starting with the difierential linkage in full line position, it is observed that crank pin 14 is near the leading end of the slot. Further clockwise rotation of the drum causes the roller 85 to travel downhill on the portion 66a of the cam track, that is towards the center of rotation of the drum. This of course produces inward swing of lever i4, and moves crank pin 14 rearwardly in the slot, so that while drum and slot are advancing to bring the slot to the dotted line position, and the linkage to the dotted line position, still referring to Fig. 7, the crank pin 14 has maintained the same absolute position with respect to the machine base, although it now occupies the trailing end of the slot.

It will be obvious that by properly designing the peripheral track of cam 68, with relation to differential linkage dimensions and pivot points, counterclockwise movement of the crank pin can exactly compensate for clockwise advance of the drum, so that the crank pin I4 is caused to stop, as Just described. In consequence, during this ph ase of the cycle of rotation the sleeve 49 comes to a stop.

Referring now to Fig. 8, the roller has traveled clockwise over the concentric arcuate portion 66b of the cam track, to the full line position there indicated. It will be apparent that while the roller 65 is traveling in any concentric portion of the cam track, such as 66b or 86d, there is no swinging motion of lever N, no movement of crank pin 14 in slot 15, and consequently no relative movement of the drum and sleeve 49. The sleeve and drum therefore rotate together, at identical rates, while the roller is traveling concentrically with respect to drum shaft 21.

Again considering Fig. 8, when roller 85 climbs the hill on cam track segment "0, the differential linkage moves to the broken line position, causing the crank pin It to move from the trailing end of the slot to the leading end of the slot while at the same time drum rotation of course proceeds. As a result, crank pinadvance is added to drum advance, and from what 6 haspreviouslybeensaiditwillbeapparentthat the sleeve 4. will accelerate with respect to'the rotate together; on segment "c the sleeve speeds up to overtake the drum; and on segment d sleeve and drum again travel together.

. As more clearly apparent from Figs. 5 and 9, the sleeve ll carriestwo pairs of plungers, II and a, the pairs being diametrically opposed. The lower pair (55a in Fig. 5) perform no work in the position shown although they stop, and are advanced and retracted while the upper pair are actually making a pickup. An operation by each pair alternately, or two operations for each drum rotation, results from the fact that there are identical cam sequences on the right and left side 01' cam 66, so that the differential speed linkage performs two identical cycles in one drum rotation. Two cards are therefore picked up and transferred successively during one drum rotation, one card by plungers 55 and one card by plungers 55a.

The means for radial actuation of the plungers will now be described, with particular reference to Figs. 4, 5, 9, l0 and 11. The plungers I! will be particularly referred to, since the opposed sets operate identically. The crank arm 16 carried by sleeve 49 has already been identified with respect to its operation in the differential speed linkage. On the other end of sleeve 49 there are two crank arms, 83 and 83a opposed diametrically. The arms 83 and 83a are bored, near their tips, to rotatably carry shafts 84 and 84a respectively. Levers 85 and 85a are pinned to respective shafts l4 and 84a on the ends near the drum wall. Each shaft has a pair of levers 86, 86, and 86a, 86a pinned to the right ends thereof. The two shafts, and the above identified levers, constitute bell crank leverages for plunger operation, and rotary movement of either lever 85 or 85a causes corresponding movement of levers 86 or 86a.

As best seen in Figs. 5, 9, 10 and 11, levers l5 and 85a carry respective rollers 81 and 81a adapted to move back and forth over respective cams 88 and 88a affixed to diametrically opposed points on the inner periphery of drum driving gear 29. Since the sleeve and the drum have limited arcuate motion with respect to each other during drum rotation, as heretofore described, this limited relative motion causes rollers 81 and 81a to move back and forth across the cam so as to produce limited arcuate rotation of the bell crank leverages 84, 85, 86, and 85a, 85a, 86a. The inner levers l6 and 86a abut shouldered projections 89 and 89a fixed on respective plungers 55 and 55a, so as to move the plungers radially outwardly against the bias of springs 90 whenever rollers 81 and 81a cross the rise in earns 88 and 88a. ,The rollers 81 and 81a project through slots 93 and 93a in the wall 44 of the drum.

The segment 88s of cam 88a (Fig. 10) is concentric with drum rotation, and the plungers 55a remain fully extended only when the roller 81a is on this segment. When the drum and sleeve 49 are traveling together, at the same rotary. speed, the roller 81a, is at one or other end offslot 93a in the drum wall, and the plungers "a are inwardly retracted. When the sleeve 49 stops, as heretofore explained, drum motion advances the 75 earn "a so that roller "a is carried across the ation of roller 81 on cam 88 is similar to that just described for roller 81a and cam 33a.

The means whereby communication is established between suction pump P and the suction cups 56 at the tips of the plungers will'now be described.

Piping V (Fig. 1) leads from pump P through an electrically controlled valve R to a nipple I03 in the side plate 26 of the drum support. From the nipple an aperture 26a extends through plate 26, Fig. 11, and through spacer disk I05. Boss 45 of the drum side wall is provided with two diametrically opposed arcuate slots 45a and 4611 (Fig. 14) each of which is alternately registrable with aperture 26a during short periods in a complete drum rotation. Sleeve 49 is provided with a pair of elongated openings 49a and 43b bored inwardly and always in registry with the respective slots 46a and 46b, the slots being long enough to permit such registry during the limited differential movement between the drum and the sleeve 49 as hereinbefore described. Branch passages 45c and 49d extend radially outwardly from 49a and 4912 respectively to two diametrically opposed pairs of nipples I01 and I08 which, through flexible tubing I09 and I III, are in individual communication with the hollow bores of the plungers. It will be apparent that when druni rotation brings either slot 46a or 461) into registry with aperture 26a, communication is established from nipple I03 to the plunger bores, and consequently to the suction cups at the plunger tips. This communication occurs twice in each complete drum rotation, by reason of the fact that there are two arcuate slots 48a and 46b Passage 26a in such position that vacuum is applied only to the upper plungers, and the positions of the plungers is easily timed with respect to the suction application, since sleeve position controls both factors.

Briefly reviewing a cycle of operation, involving 180 degrees of drum travel and one card transfer by one pair of plungers, as an upper pair of plungers 55 (Fig. approaches working position immediately beneath a stack of cards, the speed differential linkage 84, I3, 16 causes the sleeve 49 and plungers 55 and 55a to come to a stop. At the same time the plunger advance means 83, 85, 88 advances the plungers 55 to produce vacuum cup contact with the bottom card. Simultaneously continued rotation of the drum registers armate slot 461) between passages 26a and 49b to produce suction at the clips on plungers 55. The plungers are immediately retracted, plungers carrying a card and plungers 55a being idle. Sleeve and drum now rotate together through a predetermined arc, vacuum communication being maintained with plungers 55, while at the same time roller is on cam track segment 66!) (Fig. 8) as previously described. When the card is carried to a point where its leading edge is over chute 60 (Fig. 2) the differential speed linkage causes the sleeve to accelerate, moving arcuate slot 46b out of registry with the vacuum passages on both sides thereof, suction is cut off, the suction cup end of the system is vented to atmosphere as will immediately be explained,-

down the chute;

As arcuate slot 46b advances out of registry with passage 26a, and while still aligned with passage 4% (because sleeve and drum are temporarily rotating together) the'slot 46b reaches registry with a vent aperture 26b (Fig. 20) in bearing ring I04; This vents the working end of the vacuum passages toatmosphere, and re-- lieves the suction effect at cups 56.

Detector means has been provided for detecting the transfer of more or less than the proper number of sheets or cards, usually meaning two cards, or no card at all, in an embodiment set up to transfer one card at a time. This detector means is best seen in Figs. 1, 2, 1'6, 17, 18 and 19, and it comprises a feeler normally biased to contact with the drum periphery, and disposed in the path of card transfer so as to be interceptedby each card between the card pickup and delivery zones. In the present embodiment it consists of a wheel I I3 rotatably carried on arm H4 the arm being adjustablyflxed on a. transverse shaft H5 journaled at its ends in side plates 26. The central portion of the shaft is rectangular, and the arm H4 has a claw portion Illa which grasps the shaft, and may be fixed at any transverse point on the shaft by set screw I I G.

A pair of spaced microswitches H1, III are fixed on side plate 26, in spaced relationship, and somewhat above the shaft, with their control buttons inturned. A rockable lever H9 is freely carried on the rounded end II5a of shaft H5. the upper end of the lever extending between the microswitch buttons. The lower end of the lever has a. biasing spring attached thereto, the other end of the spring abutting a bracket I20 on wall 26. The natural tendency of thespring is to bias lever H9 against the push button of switch H8. Since the purpose of wheel H3 is to feel" the thickness of each card being transferred, some adjustable linkage must be set up between the feeler wheel H3 and the lever H9 by means of which the lever H9 is exactly between the microswitches when wheel H3 is separated from the drum by a card of desired thickness. It is intended of course that variation of the wheel in either direction must operate either microswitch H1 or H8, either such operation stopping the driving motor until an operator can determine what caused the thickness variation, and can correct the defect.

The adjustable linkage comprises a bifurcated yoke member I23 fixed by set screw I23a to the outer end of shaft H5. Lever I I9 has a tab H911 extending outwardly through an aperture I24 in wall 26, and terminating between the legs of yoke I23. Each such leg carries an adjusting screw I2I. When a new lot of cards or sheets is to be handled, one such card is placed beneath the wheel H3. This raises the wheel to proper operating position. Raising of the wheel turns shaft H5 by means of arm H4 and clamp H4a.

. This turns yoke I23, and, through tab H9a has a tendency to force the top of lever H9 against one or other of the microswitch operating buttons, if the card thickness has changed since the preceding lot. In such case the adjusting screws I2I are manipulated properly to bring lever H3 back to center between the microswitches.

The microswitches are thrown into a motorcontrolling circuit (by means to be described hereinafter) only when a card should be under the wheel as a result of the cycle of operations and thecard slides.

previously disclosed. After the card has passed the wheel, it drops to produce a contact between the top of lever Ill (Fig. 16) and switch II8, but the microswltch circuit is inactive until the next card is due under the wheel I I3.

The side wall 44 of the drum, the one at the right of Fig. 9, is provided with two cam projections 44a, 44b, as better shown in Fig. 8. A camiollowing roll I25, is carried on a switch-operating arm I26 of switch I21, which is fixed with respect to the table top. As the drum rotates, arm I26 swings through a short are responsive to movement of the cam follower I25 on cams 44a and 44b. The cam position is such, with relation to the other operating elements carried by the drum or responsive to drum rotation, that a card is passing under feeler wheel II3 while cam follower I25 is on either cam 44' or cam 44''. This puts switch I21 in synchronism with the microswitches H1 and III! already described. The significance of this synchronization will be described in connection with the wiring diagram.

A pair of opposed cams 8I, 8Ia are carried on the cylindrical periphery of the drum (Figs. 5 to 7). They cooperate with a cam-following roller I 84 which is operatively connected to a switch armature I33, as best shown in schematic form on the wiring diagram, Fig. 21. As will appear in connection with the description of the electric circuits, switch armature I 33 functions in a circuit which permits the machine to be started, even though no card is under feeler roll I I3 while the roll is in the card measuring portion oi the rotational cycle.

A conventional counter device is schematically indicated within the broken line box S at the lower right hand corner of the wiring diagram. Fig. 21. It functions to advance the conveyor belt after a predetermined lot of cards is transferred by the apparatus. Two solenoid coils I61 and I1! are shown in connection therewith whose purpose will later appear.

The wiring diagram shows seven manual control buttons spring biased to a rest position which in each case is either open or closed as will appear. Their respective functions will be briefly noted here, and will be more fully detailed later. Button I30 is normally open, and, when depressed, it energizes a starting circuit for vacuum pump motor M1. Button I3I is likewise normally open, and, when depressed, it energizes a starting circuit for the drum driving motor M. Button I32 is normally open, and functions in a circuit which energizes solenoid valve R in the vacuum system. Button I35 is'normally closed, and is in a maintaining circuit for the vacuum pump motor. When it is opened all operating circuits are broken. Button I36 is normally closed, and is in a maintaining circuit for driving motor M, so that when this button is depressed, motor M alone stops. Button I31 is normally closed, and, when depressed, it breaks a specific circuit to the solenoid valve R. Button I38 is normally closed, and functions in a circuit for resetting the controls after a "trouble stop.

A complete cycle of operations will now be described, with reierence practically exclusively to Fig. 21.

In starting the apparatus it is first necessary to build up an adequate vacuum effective, by negative pressure, at the suction cups hereinabove described. It is therefore desirable to first start the vacuum pump motor Ml. Button I30 is depressed, energizing the following starting circuit; from line L1 (of a three phase motor drive supply) 10 through conductors I40 and HI, button I30 in manually depressed position, normally closed button I35, conductor I42, relay coil I43, conductors I42, relay coil I43, conductors I44 and I45 to L2. The motor M1 is of course energized from lines L1, L2, and La through armatures I430, HM and H31) respectively. This motor will continue to run until the maintaining circuit is deliberately broken by depression of button I35 so as to deenergize relay coil I43.

The next step in the operational cycle is to start the driving motor M which runs the card transfer drum. By pushing normally open button I3I the following starting circuit is established; from L1 through conductors I40 and I 4|, armature I43d in closed position, conductors I46, I48, I49, I50, I5I and I52, depressed button I3I, normally closed button I36, conductor I53, normally closed armature I54a of relay I54, conductor I55, relay coil I56, conductor I51 to L2.

Energization of relay coil I56, by the circuit just described, establishes the following maintaining circuit, permitting manual release of button I3I; from L1, through conductors I40 and MI, relay armature I43d in closed position, conductors I46,

I48, I49, I50, I5I, I52 and I58, armature I56a in closed position, conductor I59, normally closed button I36, conductor I53, normally closed armature I54a, conductor I55, relay coil I56, and conductor I51 to L2. The motor M is energized from lines L1, L2, and L3 through armatures I561, 156d and I560 respectively, but may be stopped by depressing normally closed button I36. As will appear, it may also be stopped by energization of relay I54 as a result of subsequent operating trouble.

Solenoid valve R (Fig. 1) is responsive to solenoid I34 (Fig. 21) and is opened by depression of button I32, effective on the following circuit; from L1, through conductors I40 and HI, armature I43d in closed position, conductors I46, I48 and I60, depressed button I32, conductor I6I, relay coil I62 and conductors I63, I64, I65 and I 45 to L2. Energization of relay coil I62 by the circuit just described establishes a solenoid valve maintaining circuit as follows; from L1 through conductors I40 and I 4| armature I43d in closed position, conductors I46, I48 and I60, normally closed button I31, conductor I66, armature I62a in closed position, relay coil I62, conductors I63, I64, I65 and I45 to L2.

The energization of relay coil I62, and maintenance thereof in this condition, holds ganged armature I62b in closed position. Armature I62b, as will appear, is in circuit with a switch I33 responsive to roller I84 on cam 1I. This circuit is ultimately effective upon counter mechanism S, and also on solenoid valve R, through the following circuit elements; from L1 through conductors I40 and HI, armature I43d in closed position, conductors I46, I48, I49 and I69, armature 5 62b in closed position, conductors I10 and HI, switch armature I33 (closed when roller I84 is on cam 8|), conductor I relay coil I12, conductors I96, I65 and I 45 to L2. A circuit is also established from conductor I1I, conductors I 91, I98, armature I (now closed), conductor I13,

counter clutch coil I61 (which operates the counter mechanism and also closes switch arm I 68), conductors i14, I84, I65 and I45 to L2.

Energization of coil I61 by the circuit just described closes switch arm I68 and establishes a circuit through solenoid I34 which operates to open vacuum valve R, this circuit proceeding as follows; from L1 through conductors I40, I, armature 311 in closed position, conductors I46, I48, I49 and I69, armature I621) in closed position, conductors I10 and I15, switch I68 (now closed), solenoid I34, conductors I16, I14, I64, I65 and I45 'bOLa. Upon establishment of this circuit, the vacuum valve R is opened, and all operating elements are ready to transfer cards.

If, now, drum 28 rotates to the point where a card X of the proper width is carried by the suction cups to a measuring position beneath the feeler wheel, as indicated in Fig. 21, arms II 1a and H80 of the respective microswitches H1 and 8 maintain the full line position shown in Fig. 21. There is however a, circuit established to coil I11 oi the counter device, as follows; from L1 through conductors I 40 and HI, armature I430. in closed position, conductors I46, I48, I49, I50, I18 and I19, arm of switch I21 in closed position (roller I2'5 being on cam 44a, in synchronism with feeler cam 1|), conductor I80, arm I12a (now in closed position), conductor I8I, switch arm IIBa in full line position, conductor I82, switch arm Illa. in full line position, conductor I83, counter coil I11, conductors I14, I64, I65 and I45 to L2. This circuit energizes the counter mechanism so as to register the passage of a proper card.

When in normal running operation, as so far described, and for some reason, no card is advanced to beneath the feeler wheel at the proper moment in the cycle, the driving motor will be stopped by interruption of its maintaining circuit atarmature I54a by energization of relay I54, as follows; from L1 through conductors I40 and III, armature I43d, conductors I46, I48, I49, I50, I18 and I19, switch arm I21 (closed by cam 44a) conductor I80, armature I12a in closed position, conductor I8I, switch arm I I8a (in dotted line position because of absence of card'beneath wheel) conductors I85, I86 and I81, relay coil I54, conductors I88, I65 and I45 to L2. Energization of relay I54 swings its ganged armatures I54a, I54b and I54c clockwise, breaking the maintaining circuit to the driving motor M which circuit went through normally closed armature I541; as previously described.

Stoppage of the driving motor is also accompanied by the lighting of a warning light I90 (or the energization of some such perceptible signal) through the following circuit; from L1 through conductors I40 and HI, armature I43d in closed position, conductors I45, I48, I49, I50, I18 and I89, light I90, conductor I9I, armature I540 now closed, conductors I88, I65 and. I45 to L2. A maintaining circuit is desirable for this light, since otherwise, in stopping, the drum might coast past the feeler wheel measuring position with respect to cam 1I, thereby restoring switch arms HM and H80. to inactive position, de-engizing relay coil. I54 and breaking the circuit to the light I90. The maintaining circuit for the warning light is as follows; from L1 through conductors I40 and HI, armature I43d in closed position, conductors I46, I48, I49, I50, and II, normally closed button I38, conductor I92, armature I'54b (still closed) conductors I93 and I81, relay coil I 54, conductors I88, I65 and I45 to L2. Maintenance of the relay coil in energized mm- 12 dition maintains the warningsignal in lighted condition and the driving motor cannot be started until the undesirable condition is corrected, and button I88 is depressed to break the last described maintaining circuit.

When more than one card, or a card of unusual thickness comes under feeler wheel I I3. the machine is stopped in a manner similar to that already described for the situation where no card is delivered, except that while armature Illa maintains its full line position, armature II1a moves to its dotted line position. As will be clear from the circuits outlined in the last preceding paragraph, the maintaining circuit is broken as before except that energization of relay I54 now proceeds through switch arm I I8a, conductor I82, switch II1a in dotted. line position and conductor I94 to relay I54.

One more protective feature may be explained here. It has already been pointed out that during two briei' angular increments of one complete drum rotation the wheel I I3 cooperates with cam H, and the roller I25 at the same time cooperates with either cam 44a or 44b to affect electrical circuits effective upon the driving motor, and unless a card (of proper thickness) is interposed between wheel H3 and cam H at this brief instant the driving motor will stop by breakage of its maintaining circuit at armature I54a. This is accomplished of course by energization of relay I 54 through the switching arrangement I I1aI I8a already described.

It is to be expected however that in closing a series of operations, or after a shutdown for any reason, the drum has coasted to a stop with the feeler wheel H3 in approximately the position shown in Fig. 21, within the electrical measuring zone, but there is no card underneath it when button I31 is depressed toinitiate the next series of operations. The motor M cannot start because arm H81; in dotted position energizes relay I54 and arm I54a is in open position. The drum of course could be cranked manually past the measuring position, whereupon the feeler wheel would no longer be in the motor-stopping circuit. This expedient however is impractical when, as is usual, a plurality of drums are ganged for simultaneous operation, though not in exact cyclic synchronism.

To cope with this situation additional circuit means has been provided to temporarily prevent the energization of relay I54 which, if energized, is the prime factor in breaking the starting circuit. This means comprises roller I84 with its linked switch arm I 33. Roller I84 is so positioned with respect to the drum periphery and cam 8|, that in the cyclic period when the suction plungers are supposed to be withdrawing a card from the stack and presenting it to wheel III, the roller I84 is just dropping off the trailing end of cam 8| and is thereby opening arm I33. This breaks the energizing circuit to relay I12, and its armatures I12a, H21) and I fall clockwise. Since the energizing circuit to relay I54 (through switch arm II8a in dotted position) passed through armature I12a, relay I54 cannot at this moment be energized, so that its armature I54a remains in motor starting position, and drum rotation proceeds, but a card will not be picked up until after button I32 is depressed.

When button I32 is depressed to open the vacuum solenoid valve R by energization of solenoid I34 as heretofore explained, a circuit is established to permit normal operation of the fecler wheel effect upon motor M, as follows; from L1 through conductors Ill and Ill, armature Id, conductors I, I", H! and I59, armature 2b in closed position, conductors I10 and ill, arm I33 (closed when either cam Sim or iii next intercept roller I84, conductor I95, relay coil I12, conductors I96, I65 and to L2. This energizes coil I12 simultaneously with the opening of the solenoid valve by coil I (previously explained). when coil I12 is energized it closes armature llZa which, as previously noted is in circuit with the measuring microswitch arms Illa and Illa, and this permits the next card measuring operation to be performed.

From what has been said it will be apparent that at the first moment of starting of the apparatus, if feeler wheel is in measuring position, but there is no card beneath it, the drive motor M will not stop, but at any subsequent measuring point in the cycle, if no card (or an improper number of cards) intercepts the wheel, the motor M will stop.

What I claim is:

1. Card transfer mechanism for transferring a card from a receiving point to a delivery point comprising means for supporting a stack of cards at said receiving point, a drum having its peripheral wall adjacent said card supporting means, means for rotating said drum, a rotatable sleeve within said drum, the peripheral wall of said drum having an aperture therethrough, card pickup means carried by said sleeve and rotatable therewith, means operatively connecting said sleeve and said drum and effective to cause rotary movement of said sleeve, momentary interruption of said rotary movement, and then resumption of said rotary movement, means efiective upon momentary interruption of rotary movement of said sleeve to cause a portion of said card pickup means to move outwardly through the peripheral wall aperture of said drum for contact with a card on said card supporting means, and means for temporarily retaining such contacted card on said card pickup means, to thereby enable such card to be transferred to said delivery point upon resumption of rotary movement of said sleeve.

2. Card transfer mechanism as defined in claim 1, characterized in that the rotary movement of said sleeve is at variable rates of speed relative to the speed of rotation of said drum.

3. Card transfer mechanism for transferring a card from a receiving point to a. delivery point comprising means for supporting a stack of cards, a drum having its periphery adjacent. said card supporting means, driving means for rotating said drum at a uniform rate of speed, a rotatable sleeve within said drum, differential speed mechanism operatively connected to said drum and to said sleeve whereby rotation of said sleeve is responsive to rotation of said drum, but whereby said sleeve is caused to come to a momentary stop during a fractional portion of a complete rotation, card pickup means carried by said sleeve, the peripheral wall of said drum having an aperture therethrough, and said pickup means having a portion extendable outwardly through said aperture and alignable with said card supporting means during said momentary stop, the said card pickup means comprising a plunger having a suction cup thereon in communication with a source of vacuum, means for moving said plunger outwardly during said momentary stop to cause said cup to contact a card including a lever pivotally carried by said sleeve and a cam fixedly carried by said drum, said lever having a portion in operative contact with said cam and another portion operatively engaging said plunger, said cam having a cam track ortion eccentric with respect to the axis of rotation of said drum, means for establishing communication between said suction cup and said source of vacuum whereby to retain a card, contacted as aforesaid, on said cup, means for withdrawing said plunger inwardly to remove said cardfrom the card supply, and means for interrupting communication between said suction cup and said source of vacuum when said plunger is moved into alignment with the card delivery point.

4-. Card transfer mechanism as defined in claim 3 whereinthe differential speed mechanism operatively connected to said drum and said sleeve comprises a butterfly cam fixed on the shaft and having a peripheral continuous cam track having portions concentric with the axis of drum and sleeve rotation and other portions eccentric to the said axis, a lever pivoted on an end wall of said drum adjacent said cam, a link pivotally connected at one end to the-free end of said lever, and at another end to said sleeve, a cam follower fixed to said lever at a point spaced from its pivotal connection to said link, whereby, upon rotation of said drum said cam follower rides on said cam track and exerts upon said sleeve a drivin torque which is constant when the cam follower is on the concentric portions of the cam track, but which accelerates or decelerates the sleeve when the follower is on the eccentric portions of the cam track.

5. Card transfer mechanism as defined in claim 4, characterized in that the said card pickup means is in the form of a reciprocabl plunger.

6. Card transfer mechanism as defined in claim 1, characterized in that said' card pickup means is in the form of a reciprocable plunger and characterized further in that the rotary movement of said sleeve is -momentarily interrupted when the peripheral wall aperture of the drum is in alignment with the longitudinal axis of the reciprocable card pickup means.

7. Card transfer mechanism for transferring a card from a receiving point to a delivery point comprising means for supporting a stack of cards at said receiving point, a drum having its peripheral wall adjacent said card supporting means, means for rotating said drum, a rotatable sleeve within said drum, the peripheral wall of said drum having an aperture therethrough, the aperture being elongated in a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis of the drum, card pickup means in the form of a reciprocable plunger carried by said sleeve and rotatable therewith, means operatively connecting said sleeve and said drum and eflective to cause rotary movement of said sleeve, momentary interruption of said rotary movement, and then resumption of said rotary movement, the rotary movement of the sleeve, when resumed, being at an increased rate of speed, and the momentary interruption of the sleeve occurring when the .heading end of the elongated aperture in the peripheral wall of the drum is in alignment with the longitudinal axis of the reciprocable card pickup plunger, means effective upon momentary interruption of rotary movement of said sleeve to cause a portion of said card pickup means to move outwardly through the peripheral wall aperture of said drum for contact with a card on said card supporting means, and means for temporarily retaining such contacted card on said card pickup means, to thereby enable such card to be transferred to said 15 delivery point upon resumption of rotary movement of said sleeve.

' THEODORE Z. KERR.

REFERENCES CITED The followhig references are of record in the file of this patent:

Number '16 UNITED STATES PATENTS Name Date Nichols Apr. 13, 1926 Huckins Sept. 16, 1930 Stobb Apr. 2, 1940 Well: May 4, 1943 Curtis Jan. 29, 1946 

